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5-HTP - Nature's Anti-Depressant

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What the 5-HTP?
Griffon Extract is rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which comes from Africa vegetables, Griffon simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5-HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter and pain soothing and calming effect. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most protein foods. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase the level of 5-HTP.

5-HTP and Serotonin
5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. Improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in weight loss. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is an intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a large amount of evidence showing that low levels of serotonin, a common consequence of modern life. Lifestyle and diet practices many people live in this era of the full results of stress lowers levels of serotonin in the brain.

5-HTP and carbohydrate cravings
Researchers believe that inadequate serotonin levels partly responsible for the desire to overeat. Not surprisingly, obese people who crave carbohydrates usually show low to normal levels of serotonin. Taking 5-HTP supplement half an hour before meals can "turn off" cravings and hunger pangs by feeding the brains carbohydrate satiety center. In this way 5-HTP can be a great asset as part of a weight loss regime.

5-HTP and addiction
The use of addictive substances are many, such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and certain narcotics, elevates the level of serotonin. When these substances are eliminated, serotonin levels drop dramatically, causing anxiety and cravings. Taking 5-HTP can stabilize serotonin levels and help minimize withdrawal symptoms.5-HTP and PMS
PMS patients reported pain, as well as decreased irritability and mood swings from using 5-HTP. Supplements work by counter-hormone caused a decrease in serotonin levels that occur naturally during menstruation.5-HTP and sleep
Because of a calming effect, many rely on 5-HTP to alleviate stress-attacks, as well as to encourage restful. Unlike sedative drugs, 5-HTP is not associated with unwanted side effects, such as disturbed sleep patterns or grogginess. It can be taken regularly one hour before retiring as a remedy for insomnia.Side effects
Very high intakes of 5-HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea pigs and muscle jerks and diarrhea in mice. 5-HTP is injected also has caused kidney damage in rats. Until now, the problem has not been reported in humans. "Serotonin syndrome," a serious but rare condition caused by the excessive amount of serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation with 5-HTP; in theory it could be triggered by the supplement. However, the level of intake at which this toxic effect might potentially occur remains unknown.

Warning
5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants, weight-control drugs, and other serotonin modifying agents or substances that are known to cause liver damage, because in this case 5-HTP may have excessive effects. People with liver disease cannot adequately regulate 5-HTP and those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive than others, to 5-HTP. These people should not take 5-HTP without consulting a health professional knowledge. Safety taking 5-HTP during pregnancy and lactation is not known at this time.
Conditions with low serotonin levels helped by 5-HTP:
• Depression
• Obesity
• Carbohydrate craving
• Bulimia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• Migraine
• Tension headaches
• Chronic Daily Headache
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia